SmartBanking Blog

The Pickaway County Visitors Bureau and Welcome Center is one of our favorite community partners to work with! The Savings Bank has been proud to be an event sponsor for several years now, but there's a lot more to the Visitors Bureau than just events. We spoke with Assistant Administrator Jenny Rhoads about the Visitors Bureau's role in the community.

Hi, Jenny! Can you tell us a bit of what the Pickaway County Visitors Bureau does in the community?
 
PCVB strives to be a community resource for both visitors and residents. Our most prominent contribution to the community is the community event calendar, where we try to keep an organized list of all of the great things happening in the county.  
 
We also use our resources to help promote the county to encourage visitors. We maintain the billboard on SR 23 at the county line, produce a county guide that goes throughout the state and beyond, and are also involved in various tourism-related organizations.  
 
The Welcome Center itself is located right off of the highway before entering Circleville. We have area maps, guides, and other information for travel throughout Ohio. There is also a gift shop featuring locally made items and Pumpkin Show souvenirs. The Welcome Center is also the current location of the Chamber of Commerce. 
 
Can you explain your job with the Visitors Bureau? 
 
My role changes from day to day, which is what makes it fun. Primarily I maintain the front desk by greeting guests and answering the phone. I also handle social media marketing, update the event calendar, and manage the retail store. When we are hosting or planning events, I do my best to keep all of that information organized. I like to think of my position as a community-oriented jack of all trades. 
 
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Pickaway County community? 
 
Some great people live in the county. We have more nonprofits per square foot than most communities. I enjoy going to fundraisers, being in clubs, or shopping locally. Being part of my community is what I feel like I was programmed to do. Having the luxury of working in a place that I appreciate so much has been a blessing. 
 
What advice would you give folks who want to make a difference in their community?
 
Go for it. There are SO many ways to get involved. From donating to the community cupboard, posting a photo of a great meal you ate locally, or connecting with United Way’s Volunteer network, there are opportunities for everyone.

I became involved by getting out and meeting people, liking pages on social media, and making an effort to be aware of my surroundings. We live in a world of negativity, but when you are actually out in the field trying to make things better, you gain a whole new perspective. 
 
Where can folks find the Visitors Bureau online?
 
We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and of course, our website. www.pickaway.com should connect you to all of our social media outlets.